The healthiest things you can order at 15 of your favorite fast food chains
Heading to McDonald's for a healthy lunch might sound foolish.
But it's not impossible.
We checked out the lunch and breakfast fare at dozens of on-the-go restaurants — from Chick-fil-A to Wendy's — to find some of the healthiest items they offer.
The foods we picked all pack less than 500 calories, are fairly low in saturated fat and cholesterol, and include 15 or more grams of protein to keep you feeling full. Our main caveat with most of these items, however, is that they pack a lot of salt, so you'd probably want to watch your sodium intake on the days you consume them.
Here are the sandwiches, salads, bowls, and burgers to order when you're seeking a lighter option.
Chipotle — Chicken Burrito Bowl with brown rice and pinto beans, no cheese or sour cream (500 calories)
Chipotle
Chipotle has lots of fresh, healthier options. In general, nix the cheese and sour cream — an occasional dollop of guac is fine, since it's packed with healthy fats — and go for deconstructed alternatives to its burritos, like this one, which has:
500 calories — not too low, not too high
42 grams of protein — a hefty amount to strengthen& muscles and fill you up
13.5 grams of fat — a little on the high side
57 grams of carbs — roughly one-third of your recommended daily allowance
805 milligrams of sodium — a little less than half of your recommended daily allowance
Starbucks — Spinach, Feta, and Cage-Free Egg-White Breakfast Wrap (290 calories)
Hollis Johnson
While the yummy pastries at Starbucks are sure to catch your eye midafternoon, sugary muffins and scones can leave you hangry. Starbucks' hot breakfast items, like this wrap, are likely a healthier, more filling meal, with:
290 calories — pretty low as far as lunch goes; pair with a high-protein side like plain Greek yogurt
19 grams of protein — a pretty good amount to strengthen muscles and fill you up
10 grams of fat — not too low, not too high
33 grams of carbs — pretty high; replace sugary or carb-heavy snacks with protein-rich ones
830 milligrams of sodium — just under half your daily allowance
In-N-Out — Cheeseburger with onion, ketchup, and mustard, no spread (480 calories)
Melia Robinson/Business Insider
You don't have to turn to the secret menu — lookin' at you, Protein-Style fans — to get a lighter option at In-N-Out. Swap the special sauce for some ketchup and mustard to slash some fat and calories, and opt for a regular burger instead of a Double-Double.
480 calories — not too high, not too low
22 grams of protein — a good amount to strengthen muscles and fill you up
27 grams of fat — on the high side (a little less than half your daily allowance)
41 grams of carbs — about 14% of your recommended daily allowance
1,080 milligrams of sodium — close to half your recommended daily allowance
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